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sarahgabriellereads's reviews
79 reviews
A Poisoner's Tale by Cathryn Kemp
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
In a world filled with abusive husbands, fathers and brothers, the only way out is death, but not for the women.
Through her mother’s teachings, Giulia, her daughter and her three closest friends dedicate their lives to helping and saving the women of their city in 17th century Rome from the dangerous hands of those they cannot escape. As the men grow more and more suspicious, Giulia continues to aid the women covered in bruises and blood escape their situations under the guise of being a simple herbalist and healer. In doing so, she brings the attention of Pope Alessandro VII and the Inquisitori to herself and her sisterhood.
Giulia’s courage and fortitude during times of grief, doubt and fear showed the strength of her character and the lengths she was willing to go to do what she felt was right for the women around her. Even though I don’t know her, I felt proud of her for all she did despite all that was stacked against her.
Having Pope Alessandro VII’s point of view intertwined throughout the story made for a fascinating look into two polar opposite ideologies existing together in Rome. Amongst other things, it angered me greatly that he used the Catholic Church as a justification to call for the murder of the five women, yet also used his power to keep higher family names out of his investigation to protect them.
This is a historical gothic thriller laced with feminine rage that you don’t want to miss.
Through her mother’s teachings, Giulia, her daughter and her three closest friends dedicate their lives to helping and saving the women of their city in 17th century Rome from the dangerous hands of those they cannot escape. As the men grow more and more suspicious, Giulia continues to aid the women covered in bruises and blood escape their situations under the guise of being a simple herbalist and healer. In doing so, she brings the attention of Pope Alessandro VII and the Inquisitori to herself and her sisterhood.
Giulia’s courage and fortitude during times of grief, doubt and fear showed the strength of her character and the lengths she was willing to go to do what she felt was right for the women around her. Even though I don’t know her, I felt proud of her for all she did despite all that was stacked against her.
Having Pope Alessandro VII’s point of view intertwined throughout the story made for a fascinating look into two polar opposite ideologies existing together in Rome. Amongst other things, it angered me greatly that he used the Catholic Church as a justification to call for the murder of the five women, yet also used his power to keep higher family names out of his investigation to protect them.
This is a historical gothic thriller laced with feminine rage that you don’t want to miss.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child abuse, Confinement, Death, Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, Mental illness, Pedophilia, Physical abuse, Rape, Sexism, Sexual assault, Sexual violence, Torture, Violence, Blood, Grief, Abortion, Death of parent, Murder, Pregnancy, Sexual harassment, and Pandemic/Epidemic
Bitterthorn by Kat Dunn
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
Rating: 4.75/5 ☆
Bitterthorn is a remarkable, heart shattering story of love, tragedy and the depths we will go to save those we love the most.
Kat Dunn’s writing is hauntingly captivating; poetic, eerie and truly beautiful. The relationship between Mina and the Witch as co-protagonists is written incredibly well. From beginning to end, we are brought on a journey through an array of personal challenges and emotions - both characters experiencing different realities of abandonment and a lack of feeling worthy. However, with this we also see the positive growth in them as they discover love in small gestures, finally understanding what it is to feel cared for, trusted and understood.
The concept of time was so cleverly used to tie everything together. I loved how Mina saw time in rocks and the earth, and the Witch saw it through her spindle - it shows how we all perceive things differently in life.
Reading Bitterthorn was like reading one big, intricately woven poem, and I will definitely be keeping it on my bookshelf to read again.
Bitterthorn is a remarkable, heart shattering story of love, tragedy and the depths we will go to save those we love the most.
Kat Dunn’s writing is hauntingly captivating; poetic, eerie and truly beautiful. The relationship between Mina and the Witch as co-protagonists is written incredibly well. From beginning to end, we are brought on a journey through an array of personal challenges and emotions - both characters experiencing different realities of abandonment and a lack of feeling worthy. However, with this we also see the positive growth in them as they discover love in small gestures, finally understanding what it is to feel cared for, trusted and understood.
The concept of time was so cleverly used to tie everything together. I loved how Mina saw time in rocks and the earth, and the Witch saw it through her spindle - it shows how we all perceive things differently in life.
Reading Bitterthorn was like reading one big, intricately woven poem, and I will definitely be keeping it on my bookshelf to read again.
Gothikana by RuNyx
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.25
Where do I even begin? There are so many elements in Gothikana that combine to create the perfect dark romance novel. From forbidden love and talks surrounding mental health to paranormal activities and a murder mystery all rolled into one, RuNyx really encapsulated all the great things that make a dark romance gripping and exciting in this stunning tale.
Without giving too much away, each character played the perfect part and enriched Gothikana with their own personalities and backstories. Corvina and Vad’s relationship journey from lust to deep love was truly gorgeous to see. Both blossomed as people because of the other, and their story is one of my new favourites. RuNyx also highlighted the importance of friendship throughout the novel, and additionally the danger in trusting the wrong people.
All in all, I thoroughly enjoyed Gothikana and would definitely recommend it to anyone who loves a spicy dark romance story!
Without giving too much away, each character played the perfect part and enriched Gothikana with their own personalities and backstories. Corvina and Vad’s relationship journey from lust to deep love was truly gorgeous to see. Both blossomed as people because of the other, and their story is one of my new favourites. RuNyx also highlighted the importance of friendship throughout the novel, and additionally the danger in trusting the wrong people.
All in all, I thoroughly enjoyed Gothikana and would definitely recommend it to anyone who loves a spicy dark romance story!
Content Warnings
Moderate: Death, Mental illness, Suicide, Grief, Murder, and Schizophrenia/Psychosis
Minor: Forced institutionalization and Dementia
Gallant by V.E. Schwab
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
The opening chapter was a wonderfully written one - it set an eerie tone for the rest of the story and drew a great opening image of Olivia and her life at Merilance School of Independent Girls. Olivia’s ability to see half-formed ghouls from a young age darkened the general feel of the book and piqued my curiosity from the get-go.
We learn of Olivia’s mother Grace’s journal full of cryptic letters, drawings and a warning to avoid Gallant. Uncovering the meanings behind these letters is what fascinated me the most throughout my reading of the story - it was a clever element added by the author that brought another mysterious layer to the entire tale. Olivia finding her mother’s second journal and finally piecing parts of her writing together was, in my eyes, the most significant landmark event. This is where I began to understand on a larger scale the meaning of Gallant and how it played such a big role in Olivia’s past and present life. The second journal brought clarity to the jumbled ramblings written in the first, and allowed Olivia to understand her mother (and father) that little bit more.
Our introduction to Gallant brought Hannah, Edgar and Matthew into the story, along with an array of questions about Grace Prior, why she warned Olivia against Gallant and why Matthew was so adamant that she leave.
Olivia finally experiencing “not Gallant” beyond the wall was an eerie affair. Seeing death itself personified and the unearthly version of the Prior home sit in silence and ash and grey drew a sinister and unnatural picture of the place that threatens to destroy the last of her family.
Overall, I found Gallant to be a beautifully crafted story with the perfect balance of life, death, sound, silence, light and dark. I will absolutely be rereading this book in the future.
We learn of Olivia’s mother Grace’s journal full of cryptic letters, drawings and a warning to avoid Gallant. Uncovering the meanings behind these letters is what fascinated me the most throughout my reading of the story - it was a clever element added by the author that brought another mysterious layer to the entire tale. Olivia finding her mother’s second journal and finally piecing parts of her writing together was, in my eyes, the most significant landmark event. This is where I began to understand on a larger scale the meaning of Gallant and how it played such a big role in Olivia’s past and present life. The second journal brought clarity to the jumbled ramblings written in the first, and allowed Olivia to understand her mother (and father) that little bit more.
Our introduction to Gallant brought Hannah, Edgar and Matthew into the story, along with an array of questions about Grace Prior, why she warned Olivia against Gallant and why Matthew was so adamant that she leave.
Olivia finally experiencing “not Gallant” beyond the wall was an eerie affair. Seeing death itself personified and the unearthly version of the Prior home sit in silence and ash and grey drew a sinister and unnatural picture of the place that threatens to destroy the last of her family.
Overall, I found Gallant to be a beautifully crafted story with the perfect balance of life, death, sound, silence, light and dark. I will absolutely be rereading this book in the future.
A Dream of Blood and Magic by Olivia Boothe
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
(I received an advance review copy for free via BookSirens, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.)
Where do I begin?! I adored this story and cannot wait to see where the author takes it next!
Avery was the perfect main character; a child who lost her parents at a young age, fighting for her place in the world through her teenage years and into her adult life, and wanting nothing more than to find answers to the questions she always wondered about who she really was. Her character development was paced well - I was totally absorbed by the story of her visions, how they became more intense and knowing she was something “other”. I really enjoyed watching the mystery surrounding her unfold as well as her feistiness and newfound inner strength come out.
All other characters, both primary and secondary, blended incredibly well with the tale. I was heavily intrigued by the lore of both the vampires and witches who existed among mortals and how their ongoing feud would play out. Kane’s story was a fascinating one too - I enjoyed reading things from his point of view and understanding more about his past. I’m really excited to see how his and Avery’s journey will continue in the next book, as well as finding out both CJ and Shadow’s fates.
Overall, I was totally captivated by this stunning magical world and Boothe’s ability to create such a layered tale, and I’m very eager to read more from her!
Where do I begin?! I adored this story and cannot wait to see where the author takes it next!
Avery was the perfect main character; a child who lost her parents at a young age, fighting for her place in the world through her teenage years and into her adult life, and wanting nothing more than to find answers to the questions she always wondered about who she really was. Her character development was paced well - I was totally absorbed by the story of her visions, how they became more intense and knowing she was something “other”. I really enjoyed watching the mystery surrounding her unfold as well as her feistiness and newfound inner strength come out.
All other characters, both primary and secondary, blended incredibly well with the tale. I was heavily intrigued by the lore of both the vampires and witches who existed among mortals and how their ongoing feud would play out. Kane’s story was a fascinating one too - I enjoyed reading things from his point of view and understanding more about his past. I’m really excited to see how his and Avery’s journey will continue in the next book, as well as finding out both CJ and Shadow’s fates.
Overall, I was totally captivated by this stunning magical world and Boothe’s ability to create such a layered tale, and I’m very eager to read more from her!
Circe by Madeline Miller
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
mysterious
sad
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Madeline Miller’s writing is breathtakingly exquisite and I felt like I was reading poetry from start to finish - I drank up every single word.
The telling of Circe’s story was laid out very well. Learning how her family treated her and saw her as the black sheep of the family was quite sad because all she wanted was to be loved and appreciated like her siblings, but was something she never got to experience.
The revelation of Circe being a Pharmakis (Witch) alongside her siblings gave her an edge she previously didn’t possess among the figures in her life - she finally didn’t feel “less than”. Unfortunately, her family did not see her any differently, and she was exiled to the island of Aiaia for eternity because of a spell she cast that the gods did not approve of.
The true beginning of Circe’s life in my eyes was when she began her new life on the island. It was there she stepped out of the box her mother and family alike had placed her in her whole life. Over the years, she learned her strengths as a witch and became confident in herself for the first time, and also began a new chapter as a mother to Telemongus who Odysseus fathered before he left Aiaia.
Throughout her story, Circe endured heartbreak after heartbreak and mourned loss after loss - Glaucos, Daedalus, her lion and finally Odysseus. She finally set herself free from her harsh life as a goddess by making a deal with Helios and turning herself into a mortal so she could travel the world and see her son again, to finally live the life she deserved with her true love, Telemachus.
Overall, Circe was a stunning tale of love, heartbreak and finding faith in yourself.
The telling of Circe’s story was laid out very well. Learning how her family treated her and saw her as the black sheep of the family was quite sad because all she wanted was to be loved and appreciated like her siblings, but was something she never got to experience.
The revelation of Circe being a Pharmakis (Witch) alongside her siblings gave her an edge she previously didn’t possess among the figures in her life - she finally didn’t feel “less than”. Unfortunately, her family did not see her any differently, and she was exiled to the island of Aiaia for eternity because of a spell she cast that the gods did not approve of.
The true beginning of Circe’s life in my eyes was when she began her new life on the island. It was there she stepped out of the box her mother and family alike had placed her in her whole life. Over the years, she learned her strengths as a witch and became confident in herself for the first time, and also began a new chapter as a mother to Telemongus who Odysseus fathered before he left Aiaia.
Throughout her story, Circe endured heartbreak after heartbreak and mourned loss after loss - Glaucos, Daedalus, her lion and finally Odysseus. She finally set herself free from her harsh life as a goddess by making a deal with Helios and turning herself into a mortal so she could travel the world and see her son again, to finally live the life she deserved with her true love, Telemachus.
Overall, Circe was a stunning tale of love, heartbreak and finding faith in yourself.
Powerful by Lauren Roberts
adventurous
dark
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.75
Rating: 3.5/5
I enjoyed reading this short insight into Adena’s life after Paedyn was whisked away to prepare for the Trials, however, if you’ve read Powerless you already know Adena’s fate and what awaits her at the end of this sequel. Reading Powerful regardless of the emotions portrayed left an undertone of sadness from the knowledge of how it was going to end. My heart ached at the happy moments as much as it ached at the sad, and I almost hated knowing that Adena and Mak’s blossoming love was doomed from the start. Regardless, it was nice getting to know Adena on a more personal level. She was a great supporting character in the series’ first installment, so seeing her as a main character this time around was a nice change.
Just like in Powerless, Lauren Roberts’ use of switching points-of-view between two characters worked very well and gave us a more complete experience of the story. I was really fond of Mak as Adena’s love interest and felt he added positively to the tale.
I’ve given a 3.75/5 rating because I felt the dialogue throughout wasn’t as strong or engaging as in Powerless and had me losing interest at times. Seeing as the dialogue was a major part of the book, it had an impact on my overall reading experience. Nonetheless, I still appreciated the story and am looking forward to the release of Relentless this summer!
I enjoyed reading this short insight into Adena’s life after Paedyn was whisked away to prepare for the Trials, however, if you’ve read Powerless you already know Adena’s fate and what awaits her at the end of this sequel. Reading Powerful regardless of the emotions portrayed left an undertone of sadness from the knowledge of how it was going to end. My heart ached at the happy moments as much as it ached at the sad, and I almost hated knowing that Adena and Mak’s blossoming love was doomed from the start. Regardless, it was nice getting to know Adena on a more personal level. She was a great supporting character in the series’ first installment, so seeing her as a main character this time around was a nice change.
Just like in Powerless, Lauren Roberts’ use of switching points-of-view between two characters worked very well and gave us a more complete experience of the story. I was really fond of Mak as Adena’s love interest and felt he added positively to the tale.
I’ve given a 3.75/5 rating because I felt the dialogue throughout wasn’t as strong or engaging as in Powerless and had me losing interest at times. Seeing as the dialogue was a major part of the book, it had an impact on my overall reading experience. Nonetheless, I still appreciated the story and am looking forward to the release of Relentless this summer!
Castle Ever Dark: The Everlight Series: Book Two by Sara Knightly
adventurous
dark
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
5.0
(I received an Advance Review Copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. ARC received via BookSirens.)
Sara Knightly outdid herself with this sequel to Secrets Ever Green. It holds even more questions, mystery and magic than its predecessor, along with an added eerie and unsettling undertone. Her writing is just as gorgeously descriptive, mystic and enthralling as ever, and I found myself completely submerged in life at the castle, so much so that I stayed up until 7:30am to reach the final page!
The pacing of clues appearing and information being revealed was executed perfectly in my eyes, and I didn’t find myself losing interest at any point which is something that I struggle NOT to do - I was thoroughly captivated and enchanted from start to finish.
I enjoyed the Count’s point-of-view chapters dotted throughout the story. Along with Ivy’s POV, they slowly began to weave together to reveal the dark secrets of the castle and the dangers that lurked around every corner. Learning the Count’s reason for his obsession with the carpenters of Windermere brought a whole new understanding to the story.
The twists and revelations that started to come into light (especially during the second half of the story) explained so much but still left enough mystery and questions for the next book to answer.
All in all, I was undeniably impressed with how Knightly continued this series, and I’m already beyond excited for Book Three!
Sara Knightly outdid herself with this sequel to Secrets Ever Green. It holds even more questions, mystery and magic than its predecessor, along with an added eerie and unsettling undertone. Her writing is just as gorgeously descriptive, mystic and enthralling as ever, and I found myself completely submerged in life at the castle, so much so that I stayed up until 7:30am to reach the final page!
The pacing of clues appearing and information being revealed was executed perfectly in my eyes, and I didn’t find myself losing interest at any point which is something that I struggle NOT to do - I was thoroughly captivated and enchanted from start to finish.
I enjoyed the Count’s point-of-view chapters dotted throughout the story. Along with Ivy’s POV, they slowly began to weave together to reveal the dark secrets of the castle and the dangers that lurked around every corner. Learning the Count’s reason for his obsession with the carpenters of Windermere brought a whole new understanding to the story.
The twists and revelations that started to come into light (especially during the second half of the story) explained so much but still left enough mystery and questions for the next book to answer.
All in all, I was undeniably impressed with how Knightly continued this series, and I’m already beyond excited for Book Three!
The Darkest Night by Victoria Hawthorne
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
The Darkest Night is an empowering tale of Ailsa Reid and the women who came before her. It takes us on a journey through four generations of Reid women, and the individual yet connected hardships they have faced and overcome. The further into the book I read, the more I fell in love with the Reid women and how their stories wove together, creating a history of strength, determination, and perseverance in the face of men.
The depth and detail Hawthorne added to the story is so well executed. The progression of each character and their story was written pretty perfectly, and the referencing of the Reid women who came before them was intertwined so wonderfully.
My favourite character is Selina - I related heavily to her and her disability (I myself suffer from a chronic pain disability which renders me unable to work or able to do much else). I enjoyed watching how Elspeth helped her to become more than her setbacks, to push past what she thought were her limits, and to be a strong and confident woman.
The story holds the truths of how we’ve always lived in a man’s world, yet how the strength of women has always shone through. I hope that every woman who reads this book is reminded that she has the power to write her own story.
(I received an Advance Review Copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. ARC received via NetGalley.)
Iron Flame by Rebecca Yarros
Did not finish book. Stopped at 34%.
Did not finish book. Stopped at 34%.
I wanted to love this book as much as Fourth Wing, but I really struggled to stay engaged in the story and to like the characters as much as the first installment. I just had to call it quits and move on from it because I was getting frustrated trying to read it.